Quilotoa, Culture and Hiking From Quito !!!! ALL DAYS !!! by ECUADORTREASURE

Ecuador Treasure offers a guided tour to the breathtaking Quilotoa from Quito, available daily. This adventure combines stunning hikes around the vibrant turquoise lake with culture in indigenous markets and the Quichua community. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour provides personalized attention from knowledgeable guides as you traverse the moderate hiking trail. Relish authentic Ecuadorian cuisine and capture panoramic vistas of the Andes, ensuring an unforgettable journey through nature and local culture. What makes this tour truly remarkable, however, is its ability to transport you to a world unlike any other.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Treks And Hiking Tours In Quito.

Good To Know

• A guided day trip from Quito to the Quilotoa crater lake, featuring hiking, culture, and stunning Andean scenery.
• Opportunities to explore indigenous markets, visit a Quichua community, and enjoy a local lunch in Quilotoa town.
• Moderate hiking experience with a descent into the Quilotoa caldera, offering panoramic views of the turquoise lake.
• Maximum group size of 15 travelers for a personalized and immersive experience, operated by the trusted Ecuador Treasure company.
• Inclusive package covering transportation, lunch, drinks, gratuities, and National Park fees, with optional kayaking on the lake.

Trip Overview

The Quilotoa trip offers a day-long adventure from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, to the picturesque Quilotoa, a crater lake nestled in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Guided transportation and hiking experiences allow visitors to enjoy the stunning views of the Andes and the emerald waters of the caldera lake.

The tour also includes stops at an indigenous market and the Quichua community of Zumbahua, providing a glimpse into the local culture.

With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, this experience caters to those seeking a moderate physical challenge and an opportunity to enjoy Ecuador’s natural and cultural wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

Hiking down the steep slopes of the volcanic caldera offers visitors an optional opportunity to kayak on the emerald waters of Quilotoa Lake. During the tour, travelers will also visit the Toachi Canyon viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the Ecuadorian Andes. Lunch is served in the town of Quilotoa, allowing visitors to experience the local cuisine. Depending on the day, the tour may also include a stop at either the Saquisili market on Thursdays or the Pujilis market on Sundays, where guests can enjoy the lively indigenous culture.

Itinerary Highlights
Hike down to Quilotoa Lake	Optional kayaking on the lake
Visit Toachi Canyon viewpoint	Lunch in Quilotoa town
Market visits: Saquisili (Thursdays) or Pujilis (Sundays)

Tour Details

This tour is highly reviewed, with 7 reviews and a 5.0 overall rating. It accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, making it an intimate experience.

While moderate physical fitness is required, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. The tour is operated by Ecuador Treasure, ensuring a professional and reliable service.

The key tour details include:

1. Maximum of 15 travelers per tour
2. Moderate physical fitness level required
3. Not wheelchair accessible
4. Operated by Ecuador Treasure

Pricing and Inclusions

Priced from $60.00, the tour includes local taxes, National Park fees, lunch, drinks, and gratuities.

Ecuador Treasure offers this day trip to Quilotoa, a volcanic lake in the Ecuadorian Andes. With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, the experience caters to those with a moderate fitness level.

Travelers can enjoy the stunning views of the emerald waters and hike down the steep slopes, with an optional kayaking activity. The tour also includes visits to indigenous markets, providing an immersive cultural experience.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Customer Feedback

Travelers on the Quilotoa day trip from Quito have shared overwhelmingly positive experiences. The tour has received an impressive 5.0 overall rating from 7 reviews.

Customers have highlighted several aspects of the experience:

1. Knowledgeable and supportive guides, such as John Pierre and Andrea, who went above and beyond to ensure a memorable hike.

2. The cultural stops at the indigenous market and Quichua community, which provided valuable insights into the local way of life.

3. The enjoyable and authentic meals served during the tour.

4. The stunning views of the Ecuadorian Andes and the emerald waters of the Quilotoa caldera lake.

Scenic Vistas

Upon reaching the caldera’s rim, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the Ecuadorian Andes. The emerald waters of Quilotoa Lake fill the volcanic crater, surrounded by rugged peaks and lush vegetation. The 360-degree views showcase the region’s natural beauty, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and rolling hills dotting the landscape.

Vista	Description
Quilotoa Lake	Brilliant turquoise waters nestled in a volcanic crater
Andean Peaks	Majestic snow-capped mountains towering in the background
Surrounding Countryside	Lush green hills and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see

This scenic oasis provides a serene and awe-inspiring backdrop for the Quilotoa hiking experience, leaving visitors with lasting memories of Ecuador’s stunning natural wonders.

Cultural Immersion

Beyond the breathtaking vistas, the Quilotoa experience offers a unique opportunity for culture. The tour includes stops at indigenous markets and a Quichua community, allowing visitors to engage with the local culture.

Some highlights include:

1. Browsing the vibrant Saquisili or Pujilis markets, where vendors sell traditional crafts, produce, and textiles.
2. Visiting the Quichua community of Zumbahua, where travelers can learn about the indigenous way of life.
3. Enjoying a homemade lunch in Quilotoa town, savoring the flavors of Ecuadorian cuisine.
4. Interacting with the knowledgeable guides, who share insights into the region’s history and traditions.

This culture component complements the stunning natural scenery, creating a well-rounded and enriching Quilotoa experience.

Hiking Experience

The hike down into the Quilotoa caldera is the highlight of the tour. Descending the steep, winding trail offers stunning vistas of the vivid emerald waters below. For the adventurous, there’s an option to kayak across the crater lake. The return hike up the slopes can be strenuous, but the sense of accomplishment is well worth the effort.

Hike Details	Description
Duration	Approximately 1.5 hours down, 2 hours up
Difficulty	Moderate, with some steep and uneven terrain
Fitness Level	Recommended for those with an average fitness level

Experienced and knowledgeable guides lead the way, ensuring a safe and enriching hiking experience amidst the breathtaking Ecuadorian landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Customers can take advantage of this flexible policy to make changes to their travel plans as needed.

Is Transportation to and From Quito Included in the Price?

The tour price does not include transportation to and from Quito. It covers local transportation, such as guided transportation and hiking at the destination. Travelers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the starting point in Quito.

Can the Tour Be Modified for Those With Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. They should notify the tour operator in advance so the guides can make necessary arrangements for alternative meals during the lunch stop.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 15 travelers. The details provided state that the tour has a "Maximum of 15 travelers per tour," so the group size is capped at 15 participants.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Participating?

There are no stated age restrictions for this tour. However, a moderate level of physical fitness is required as the hiking can be challenging. Children are welcome, but their ability to complete the hike should be considered.

The Sum Up

Ecuador Treasure’s Quilotoa tour from Quito seamlessly blends stunning natural scenery, enriching cultural experiences, and an immersive hiking adventure. Travelers can expect personalized attention, authentic Ecuadorian cuisine, and breathtaking vistas of the Andes – ensuring an unforgettable journey through Ecuador’s vibrant landscapes and local heritage.